The 15th Shanghai International Film Festival closes this weekend and it was another significant event, showcasing new Chinese films, films from around the world, as well as a slew of panel discussions and symposiums on the Chinese film industry. And with the caliber of guests that were represented and participated in many of these events, many high level executives from Hollywood, continue the trend of anyone and everyone with all eyes on China as it continues to grow as the second largest film market in the world. Film Business Asia did a great report of the many topics discussed, including debates on the future of Chinese cinema domestically and internationally.
Aside from the Festival being in one of the most spectacular cities in Asia, if not the world. the Festival is a great way to see the latest in Chinese films for the year, with over Chinese films presented. That may sound daunting, but that’s a slim number, when you consider there were almost 600 films made in China last year. For many Chinese film companies, it was an opportunity to have their stars (mostly from China, but also Korea, Japan and the US) walk on the red carpet, representing major films that will be released later this year, as well. Here are some highlights:
Team Shanghai Calling, with producer Janet Yang, w/ stars Zhu Zhu, Daniel Henney and Eliza Coupe.
Jackie Chan giving the Lifetime Achievement Award to Chow Yun Fat at the Opening Ceremony.
A stalker photo of Tony Leung in the audience, taken by my sister. Yeah, that’s the ticket….
Me and my fave Hong Kong character actor, Lam Suet, who’s been in pretty much every Johnnie To film.
The Festival opened with the world premiere of Painted Skin: The Resurrection, a visually stunning fantasy love story directed by up and coming Mongolian director Wuershan (The Butcher, The Chef & the Swordsman). It’s a lot of fun, full of romance, action and some great production design. Check out the trailer:
The good news is that the film is being released in the US sometime in the next few months, so do check it out. It reminds me of classic Hong Kong films like A Chinese Ghost Story and Zu Warriors.
And here’s a trailer for the ridiculous, but fun, Million Dollar Crocodile, which is basically a Chinese Lake Placid with a monster crocodile that terrorizes a small town. So what’s up with the film title? Well, the aforementioned crocodile swallows a purse that contains 100,000 euros, which equals to almost 1,000,000 RMB (Chinese currency).
Oh, and Lam Suet is also in this movie, playing a sleazy owner of an underground restaurant that cooks big game and endangered animals. You’ll know he will get his comeuppance.
Check out the Festival’s official website here.
